Marquette Island Preserves

The public is welcome to explore responsibly the 1,400 acres and nearly five miles of shoreline in three new preserves of the Little Traverse Land Conservancy: the Seiberling, Stewart, and Aldo Leopold natural areas. So far the only trail is the half- mile Marquette Bay Trail in the Stewart Preserve. It goes through moss beds and cedar bogs before reaching a long stretch of sandy beach on Coats Point on the south shore of Marquette Island. "It's charming, and the birding is wonderful," says a neighbor. The donors wanted to enable more people to enjoy the islands than just those with property there.

From Hessel's public launch at the marina take boat, canoe, or kayak to Marquette Bay on the west side of Marquette Island. (See large Les Cheneaux map.) Be prepared to anchor and walk in the water. Beachhead clearly signed.

Return to Hessel

HESSEL
POINTS OF INTEREST

Hessel harbor. The center of Hessel is near the harbor, an important and busy spot because so many summer residents boat to their island homes ... more

Katydid's. Large, very cool gift shop, with everything from vera Bradley bags to nautical decor and wine ... more

Marquette Island Preserves. A charming 1,400-acre preserve abundant with birds, reachable by boat ... more

Search Bay and St. Martin's Point Hiking & Ski Trail. A sandy beach in a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot with a couple of rustic campsites. ... more

The Wooden Door. A big building with eclectic treasures: vintage furniture, handmade Native American and local crafts, handsome decoys ... more

Birge Nature Preserve. In a 275-acre preserve of wetlands and forest, a quarter-mile path leads to a lake with eagles, beavers, and osprey ... more

Woods and Water Eco-Tours. Year-round kayak and mountain bike tours of quietm undeveloped settings throughout the region ... more

The Wooden Door. Big old warehouse now a diverse shop with everything from fine duck decoys & antique furniture to Native American handmade crafts ... more

Our Lady of the Snows Church & Historical Indian Cemetery . Indians have long settled the Hessel area, as this old cemetery shows ... more

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